A massive win for animal welfare as a Brazilian court puts a stop to live animal exports. Brazil is the world’s biggest meat producer.
In a landmark ruling, a Brazilian court has put a halt to the export of live cattle from all the country’s ports, a decision celebrated by animal welfare advocates. Federal Judge Djalma Gomes delivered the verdict, which is open to appeal, stating, “Animals are not things. They are sentient living beings, that is, individuals who feel hunger, thirst, pain, cold, anguish, fear.”
The National Forum for the Protection and Defense of Animals, a Brazilian NGO, filed a lawsuit in a Sao Paulo court in 2017, seeking to ban all live cattle exports. The animal rights group praised Gomes’s ruling as “historic,” emphasizing the recognition of “the suffering caused to animals…in an activity similar to human trafficking at the time of slavery.”
Carlos Favaro, Brazil’s agriculture minister, said he had not spoken with the solicitor general about whether the federal government would appeal the decision. While acknowledging that court orders must be followed, Favaro defended Brazil’s live cattle trade. He argued that overseas buyers would not invest in livestock that might potentially lose weight during transportation, adding that the animals’ travel accommodations are adequate and “favor” the continued development of the cattle.
Minerva, a leading South American beef supplier and live cattle exporter, has not yet commented on the ruling. This decision could have significant implications for the live cattle export industry and may prompt further examination of animal welfare practices during transportation.
As consumers become more concerned with animal welfare and the environmental impact of animal agriculture, the demand for plant-based alternatives is growing. This shift in mindset could lead to a more sustainable and ethical approach to food production in the future. It is crucial to raise awareness about the treatment of animals in the food industry and promote healthier, environmentally friendly choices.
Original source: https://www.onegreenplanet.org
